Al-Jazeera has condemned Israel’s decision to ban the media organisation from operating within its borders and in the Palestinian territories, calling the move “undemocratic”.

The announcement that al-Jazeera’s Israel bureau is to close comes after a direct threat to do so from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last month.

The Israeli government accused the Qatar-based network of “incitement”.

Journalists from al-Jazeera, one of the most popular Arabic-language news channels in the Middle East, will have their media credentials revoked and broadcasts will be blocked.

The company said in a statement: “Al-Jazeera stresses that it will closely watch the developments that may result from the Israeli decision.

“And it will take the necessary legal measures towards it.”

The Israeli government’s decision follows similar measures against al-Jazeera made by Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Bahrain, which have rallied against the outlet’s alleged links with extremists.